To the editor: Here's a way to catch illegal immigrants

In a letter to the editor in today's Post-Standard, a Syracuse woman proposes a novel approach to apprehending illegal immigrants:

To the Editor:

When a person is brought into the emergency room with either a knife wound or shotgun wound, the police are called. Why, then, when illegal immigrants come in for treatment, they are asked the same questions -- about insurance, Social Security number, etc. -- as citizens? Why, then, aren't the proper authorities called if they don't have the proper I.D.? It would seem a perfect way to pick them up and immediately return them to their home country.

How about having a guard on duty at all emergency rooms? Everyone being asked the same questions prevents anyone saying their privacy is invaded.

With the health care reform bill before us and the high cost of health care for illegal immigrants, it would be a perfect answer to either send them back -- or they wouldn't go there for treatment in the first place if they were aware of the new scrutiny. What can we lose?

Sarah MathewsSyracuse

» What do you think? Would you welcome the sight of guards in the emergency room? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.